Once the decision to liberalize
the market has been taken, the next step is to provide an appropriate
regulatory framework and institution(s) to implement the decision. However, there
is no simple sequencing for the drafting and adoption of the framework since
several issues must be addressed simultaneously. Interconnection, universal
access and service, regulatory processes, means of dispute resolution, market
definition methodologies, licensing/authorization procedures and tariff-setting
principles all need to be resolved in a fairly compressed period. Furthermore,
most of these issues interact with, relate to, or rely on the other components
of the body of regulations. The body can then be amended in light of market and
technological developments.
The absence of a simple sequence also means
there is no obvious order of topics addressed in this module or in the Toolkit
as whole. Instead, the module starts with issues related to the regulatory
agency, the characteristics that enhance its legitimacy, the functions
performed by the regulator and others, as well as the supporting legal
environment. The module then presents regulatory issues related to
authorization and competition, interconnection, universal access, radio
spectrum, and finally, the impact of new technologies.